Posted November 29, 200816 yr comment_5436062 DVD #3 1/29/82 - Matches also appear on Classics 116 Tiger Mask vs. Dynamite Kid - The TV version is heavily JIP, so we defintely want to use the Classics. This was a big step up from their New Year's Day match as they packed a ton of crisp action into 13 minutes without really rushing through anything. They did their normal flashy mat routine early. But Dynamite conveyed a greater desire to brutalize Tiger Mask as he landed some really stiff uppercuts and ripped at the mask. Tiger Mask had to come up with increasingly athletic moves just to stave off the aggressive challenger, and that was always the best dynamic for him. Good ending too as they both fought desperately to hit a German that felt like it would be the finisher no matter who got to it first. Nomination. Seiji Sakaguchi vs. Rusher Kimura - Both of these guys worked best as brawlers and here, they brawled, so it was enjoyable. I could've watched Kimura's chops against Sakaguchi's forearms and knees for awhile, but it ended fairly quickly in a disappointing double countout. Antonio Inoki vs. Abby - Nothing fancy here but they delivered a smartly worked slugfest. Abby aimed his kicks and chops right under Inoki's arms. Ouch! He no-sold Inoki's early offense, which worked out in the end because when he sold it later, it suggested that Inoki had successfully worn him down. A cool ending could have earned this a nomination, but instead, we got a lame run-in from Bad News. 2/5/82 Tiger Mask vs. Bret Hart - Took a bit to get going but ended up being really good. Tiger Mask was notably hit or miss on his athletic spots, but he nailed a great one here, kipping up directly into a high kick at blinding speed. Bret built his attack slowly, sticking to punches and eye rakes early. But he hewed to the theme of using his size, power and disregard for the rules to grind on Tiger Mask, whose athletic counters became less frequent as the match rolled on. Bret finally moved to the backbreakers and piledrivers when Tiger Mask seemed spent. They executed a terrific ending. Bret avoided a plancha to the outside and pounded Tiger Mask on the apron as he tried to get back in. Bret then bounced off the ropes to drill Tiger Mask to the floor. But in a last burst, Tiger Mask springboarded off the top rope to dropkick an oncoming Bret. Just a nicely timed spot that paid off the story of the match. In general, Bret ate and sold for Tiger Mask's offense as well as anyone I've seen, and I think people will enjoy seeing this match. So, nomination. Inoki/Fujinami vs. Rusher Kimura/Hamaguchi - I'm just not feeling the magic from these matches between Rusher's crew and Inoki's. The Hamaguchi-Fujinami sections were usually pretty good, but there's something missing when you compare this stuff to the great factional feuds from NJ across the '80s.
April 14, 200916 yr comment_5438478 I loved Abby v. Inoki, the finish was bad enough to keep it off a set like this with so much good stuff, but man did Abby rule. Is this their only singles match? Tiger Mask vs. Bret Hart 2/5/82 This was worked at a much slower pace then a normal juniors match, to the point where it a dragged a bit, the finish was awesome enough, and I agree with Childs that this is the kind of thing people will want to see.
